Great Universe goes clear under John Reddington© Photo Healy Racing
Great Universe powered clear in the closing stages of the concluding bumper at Clonmel this afternoon to score for owner/jockey John Reddington.
The Universal gelding, trained by Martin Brassil, had finished fifth after starting tailed off at Punchestown last month and confirmed that promise with a comprehensive win this afternoon.
He was better behaved at the start today and, after being help up early on, took closer order with a circuit to run.
Reddington disputed with Talk In The Park passing the two pole before sending his mount clear from the furlong marker for a 25-length victory.
50-year-old Reddington, from Bohola in County Mayo, was partnering his first domestic winner since 2013 but had been on the scoresheet over in England in January. He said afterwards:-
"I had trouble with him at the start a few times in the past but we got him going nice and steady today.
“The more he races, the more settled he is getting. The horse is a machine and I don't even know how good he is - that ground shouldn't suit him but he got through it."
He added:- “The more I ride, the more I find things happening slower and you don't panic as much. It takes an awful long time to learn how to race-ride but I'm enjoying it now and am starting to understand it.
"I've nothing against Netflix but I'd rather be doing something like this rather than lying in front of the telly!
"I started race-riding 12 years ago and I'm very lucky to have Martin (Brassil) and am so happy for him. He was unlucky in Cheltenham but did a great job with them."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
